Suspects sought in two Spring Hill robberies

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office is investigating two robberies Thursday, one that occurred at a gaming room and another three hours later at a Publix.

Shortly after 5:30 a.m., two masked men entered the AVA Gaming Room, located at 7269 Forest Oaks Blvd., and demanded money, deputies said.

A firearm was used during the robbery, according to a media release.

The suspects fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money, deputies said.

They are thought to be white males. No other descriptions were available.

Later that morning, a man entered the Publix at 4365 Commercial Way and passed a note to a pharmacist demanding oxycodone, according to the release.

No weapon was displayed, deputies said.

The suspect possibly fled in a Chevrolet Lumina or Nissan Altima, silver or gray in color and missing a hubcap on the front passenger side, according to the sheriff's office.

He was described as a white male, early to mid-20s. He stands approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall and has a slim build. He was last seen wearing a black baseball cap, white-hooded sweatshirt, gray jacket with black across his shoulders, blue jeans and white sneakers, witnesses said.

It is not known whether the robberies are connected, but there are no indications to suggest they are, said Sgt. Donna Black, a sheriff's spokeswoman.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-TIPS or visit www.hernandosheriff.org/Tips/.